Question for the brain trust. I am looking at a 99 TJ Wrangler as a toy that I can teach my kiddo how to wrench on. It has low miles for the year (118k), but the feller selling g it says the original owner had towed it behind an RV for the majority of the time they owned it. Would you have any reservations about a Jeep that was used as such and any specific things to look out for?

Manual or automatic?

wheel bearings

Check/replace axle fluids and move on

Just give the frame a thorough inspection. Texas is different than Ohio, I know. Probably half the Jeeps that age up here have unsafe rotted frames.

Always frames for Jeeps, but TJ's seem to be especially bad if what I see on Craigslist is any indication. lol Of course I'm in a salt state, Texas shouldn't be too bad assuming that's where it's spent it's life.

quote:

Originally posted by bigwagon:
Manual or automatic?

Manuel.

Seller gave me the VIN and I'ma run a Carfax to see where it has lived and whether any issues stand out as well.

Aside from the common issues any car may have, like ball joints and steering having a loose joint or two, TJs have a lot rubber bushings in the suspension arms and bars. Make sure they are up to your expectations.
Frame rust is common. Look for rusting from the inside out near the rear lower control arms and the bottom of the frame rails where the skid plate bolts up. Trouble is less common at the front lower control arms. The frame members above the gas tank is trouble spot. The upper rear shock bolts often twist off.
The sometimes hard to find Mopar tune up parts, water pump and radiator should be your best bet if it needs work there. The aftermarket replacement for these items are troublesome. New rubber motor and transmission mounts usually make a noticeable difference. No urethane.
If you plan to lift it, expect to start throwing money and time at getting the axles set correctly and reducing driveline vibrations.

you might need to change the transfer case fluid as well. I can't remember if the transfer case is engage when flat towing that model.

the 4.0 motor and the ax15 transmission will be fine.

if kept in a salt state expect frame and tub rot.

quote:

Frame rust is common. Look for rusting from the inside out near the rear lower control arms and the bottom of the frame rails where the skid plate bolts up.

If the transmission or transfer case ever need worked on, the skid plate is also a cross member for the rear trans mount. Frozen bolts can be a real problem.

As for flat towing, the t-case should have been put in neutral for this.

quote:

Originally posted by tigereye313:

quote:

Originally posted by bigwagon:

Manual or automatic?

Manuel.

Made in Mexico?

^ LOL!!!!

quote:

Originally posted by V-Tail:
Made in Mexico?

Thanks for the advice everyone. Will see how it goes.